wine time

 Quivira Vineyards is a small, family owned winery in the heart of Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley. Using only estate-grown grapes and through biodynamic processing, they have crafted the 2005 Quivira Dry Creek Zinfandel ($19.99). With its dark cherry and bramble fruit, this delicious Zinfandel features a medium-full mouth feel of fresh blackberries with a hint of bakers chocolate.

In order to preserve all of its charm and character, Quivira has chosen to bottle this wine unfiltered. They have also added 10 percent Petite Sirah, which brings additional spice and structure to this final blend.

My next choice is the Allan Scott 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($11.99) from the Marlborough region in New Zealand. This winery has been family owned and operated since 1990, although they started in the business in 1973. Marlborough region has gained a well-deserved reputation for making outstanding wines due to its ideal year-round conditions.

According to the winemaker, "this wine has a fragrant mix of pineapple and passion fruit tropical aromas with underlying ripe citrus characters adding complexity to the nose. On the palate, again a flavorsome array of pineapples and passion fruit, with a zesty citrus essence of orange and lime."

This wine would be perfect with any of the fresh seafood at Joe Patti Seafood Company.

Anna's Fine Wines, inside Joe Patti Seafood Company, at the intersection of Main Street and South A Street, Pensacola. 432-9525, or visit www.joepattis.com.